Operation Spider Web: How Ukraine reportedly used AI drone sorties worth 10 iPhone 16 Pro to target Russian bomber aircrafts - The Times of India

Ukraine has deployed artificial intelligence-powered autonomous drones to attack Russian military aircraft across multiple airbases, marking a significant escalation in the use of AI technology in warfare. The operation, codenamed "Spider's Web," reportedly damaged over 40 Russian bomber aircraft, including strategic Tu-95 and Tu-22 M3 long-range bombers. The coordinated strikes targeted Russian airfields spanning thousands of kilometers, from facilities near Moscow to bases in eastern Siberia and the Far East. SBU sources who spoke to the BBC said the 18-month operation involved concealing explosive drones inside wooden mobile cabins mounted on trucks, which were positioned near Russian airfields before launching remotely.Ukraine's Digital Transformation Minister Mykhailo Fedorov confirmed the first combat use of the country's AI-powered "mother drone" system, developed by Ukraine's defense tech cluster Brave1. The system can deliver two AI-guided first-person view strike drones up to 300 kilometers behind enemy lines.

AI drones operate without human control

The AI-powered drones utilized advanced autonomous systems that function independently once deployed. Reports indicate the technology includes "mother ship" drones capable of delivering smaller first-person view (FPV) strike drones up to 300 kilometers behind enemy lines. These systems employ visual-inertial navigation with cameras and LiDAR technology, allowing them to identify and engage targets without GPS dependency or human intervention.The SmartPilot system enables the drones to process real-time video data through AI algorithms, autonomously locating high-value targets including aircraft, air defense systems, and critical infrastructure. Each operation reportedly costs approximately $10,000, about the cost of 10 iPhone 16 Pros, significantly less expensive than conventional missile strikes, which can cost 300 to 500 times more, according to reports.

Strategic impact extends beyond immediate damage

The operation targeted strategic missile-carrying bombers including Tu-95, Tu-22, and Tu-160 aircraft, which are no longer in production and difficult to replace. Military analysts suggest the strike affected approximately 34% of Russia's strategic bomber fleet at key airbases, representing billions of dollars in potential damage.Ukraine's defense tech cluster Brave1 developed the drone systems as part of the country's broader strategy to offset disadvantages in manpower and firepower through technological innovation.